Monthly Archives - March 2020

When talking about the
3D printing filament, one type that has gained significant popularity in the
recent is the PLA filament 1.75mm.
The PLA or Polylactic Acid tends to differ from most of the thermoplastic-based
polymers.

Why?

This is because it is
created from renewable resources such as sugar cane or corn starch. On the
contrary, most of the plastics are actually created from distillation or
polymerization of the nonrenewable forms of petroleum reserves. On the other
hand, plastics that tend to be derived from the biomass are termed as
“Bioplastics.”

Characteristics of PLA Filament

If you are planning to
purchase the PLA filament 1.75 mm, make sure you know about its characteristics
and how well it works for your needs. The PLA filament has properties that are
similar to PE (Polyethylene), Polystyrene (PS), or Polypropylene (PP).It can
easily be produced with the use of existing equipment for filament
manufacturing. This is what makes the PLA filament relatively cost-effective in
terms of large scale production for 3D printing needs.

Given the cost-effectiveness,
it is obvious that the PLA filament has the 2nd largest production
rate for any bioplastic.

The PLA filament 1.75
mm can be used for a wide range of applications such as:

Bottles

Plastic films

Biodegradable Medical Equipment

Apart from this, the
PLA can also constrict under the heat. This is why it is deemed suitable to be
used as the shrink wrap. The way the PLA easily melts leads to some of the best
and most interesting applications when talking about the 3D printing world.

On the opposite end,
this filament has a low transition temperature, which makes it unsuitable for
holding hot liquid.

Key Properties of PLA Filament

The PLA filament is
generally classified as thermoplastic due to the way this plastic reacts to
heat. The thermoplastics tend to become liquid when they attain the melting
point, which is 150 degrees Celsius to 160 degrees Celsius.

How is the PLA filament created?

The PLA or Polylactic
Acid can be created via two recognizable processes which are:

Condensation

Polymerization

The commonly used
polymerization technique in the production of PLA filament 1.75 mm is the Ring-Opening
Polymerization. In this process, the makers utilize the metal catalysts that
are combined with the lactide. This helps with the creation of larger variants
of the PLA molecules.

The PLA’s condensation
process works in a similar manner, with the only difference being its
temperature during conduction of procedure as well as by-products released as
the consequence of this reaction.

Popular Applications of the PLA filament 1.75
mm

Packaging
Polymer for Food Contact Approved:

The
PLA has been approved for being used as a packaging filament for food by the
FDA (Food and Drug Administration). It can easily be used in the form of food
packaging to keep safe the products with short life such as fruits as well as
vegetables.

The
commonly known packaging applications for the PLA
filament 1.75 mm include drinking cups, containers, salad cups, sundae,
blister packages, as well as overwraps.

Biocompatible
Plastic for Medical and Healthcare Industry:

Given
the biodegradability and biocompatibility, the PLA filament 1.75 mm can easily
be used for the medical as well as the healthcare industry. Both these
industries are making use of the PLA to manufacture scaffolds for tissue
engineering, covering membranes, materials for delivery systems, and medical
implants (bioabsorbable).

Further,
due to the versatility shown by the PLA filament, it has also been investigated
to be used for the membrane applications such as wound covers, medical devices,
as well as implants. This can include everything from the rods, pins, plates to
sutures, and screws. The application of PLA filament is also being incorporated
in dermatological treatments such as scar rejuvenation and facial lipoatrophy.

Structural
Applications:

The
Bio-based polylactic acid or its composites are new to the world of structural
applications for the high-end automotive, electronics, or electrical
appliances. The PLA composites are known to show better impact resistance and
tensile strength, which could be used in the interiors of an automobile as well
as safety helmets.

Apart
from this, PLA filament 1.75 mm is also well-suited to be used as pillar cover,
floor mats, front panel, door trim, as well as ceiling material. However, one
needs to keep in mind the fact that the application in this stream is still
limited, and more will surely be explored in the future.

Fabrics
and Fibers Created from PLA:

The PLA
filament 1.75 mm is also perfect for the creation of textile fibers to create
things such as carpets, shirts, mattresses, bedding, sportswear, and more. Given
the low absorption rate for moisture, this material is perfect for creating sweat-proof
fabric. Apart from that, the PLA filament has properties such as the low
generation of smoke and UV light resistance that make it a great filament for
fiber creation.

The PLA
filament also has applications in bags for compostable waste, mulch films, insulation
materials, as well as structural protective foam.

Is the PLA filament toxic?

Now, this particular
thing is debatable. Why? Given the biodegradable nature of the PLA filament
1.75 mm, it is safe in its solid form. This filament is generally used for food
handling as well as medical implants designed to biodegrade within your body with
time. However, like any other plastic material, it sure has the potential for
toxicity. However, this is only possible if the fumes of the material are
inhaled or absorbed into your skin. It can also harm you if the vapors tend to
enter your body via the eyes or in liquid form.

So, the next time you
are handling this molten polymer, make sure you are careful and follow the
instructions laid out for handling it in a strict manner.

Conclusion

The PLA filament, being a biodegradable option, is perfect for your 3D printing needs. However, you need to keep in mind that the fumes could be potentially toxic. So, make sure you always print in a room that is well-ventilated. If possible, wear a mask to avoid inhaling the fumes. Given the fact that it is biodegradable, it can be used safely for creating food containers, wrap plastics, and more!

Looking for a high-quality PLA filament 1.75 mm? At MakeShaper, we house an extensive collection of top-quality PLA filaments that are all tested for strength and durability. We also have an amazing collection of other filament types such as ASA, ABS, PVA, and more. So, shop today to get exclusive discounts on your purchase.

We
are amidst the fourth industrial revolution, and technology has taken the
central role in the on-going chaos. The 3D printing technology is one such
bright example and hence could not be ignored at all cost. ABS filament, the
darling of the 3D printing technology, has transformed how the products are
manufactured in an entirely inexpensive way.

However,
the items are limited to a fraction of the exposure only. However, elements
like ASA filament
have proved to be effective in all climatic and external pressures and hence is
loved by enthusiasts all across the globe.

So What Exactly Is ASA?

ASA
is the acronym for the chemical compound Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate. The
substance is used extensively in 3D printing and shares similarity in the
molecular structure of ABS – another item used extensively in 3D printing. The
material is resistant to weather conditions, and UV radiation compared to ABS
and hence is quite popular all across the globe.

The
strength of the substance makes it suitable for outdoor applications like
garden fixtures (drain pipes, flower boxes, shutters, gutters, and others) to
outdoor adventure equipment like boat hulls, shutters and flower boxes. In
addition to it, the ASA filament is also wildly used in the automotive industry
like bumper covers, grilles, side-view mirror housings, and others.

Understanding the Benefits of Using
ASA

When
it comes to the ASA filament, there are a ton of factors that come into play.
The mechanical properties of the substance make it suitable for outdoor
solutions. The filament retains its glossy finish, mechanical properties, and
color even after prolonged exposure.

On
the other hand, the item displays more significant resistance to environmental
stress in comparison to its counterparts and hence is a huge hit all across the
globe. To add on top of it, the thermoplastic products are heat and chemical
degradation, making it one of the most sought after products among the 3D
printing enthusiasts.

Printing Your First Item Out of the
ASA Filament

The
printing procedure is quite simple and requires quite a simple procedure to
follow.

Step 1: Make Sure That Your First
Layer Has Been Done Right

The
first step in the process involves two significant distinct steps that ensure
the first layer is even and without dirt and debris while maintaining the
nozzle at an appropriate distance.

Leveling the Bed

The
first thing in the process is to ensure that the bed is at the right level.
Most printers come up with clear instructions about the same while on the other
hand, some of the major companies provide a bed from their end. Using the
screws attached, one can adjust the levels for better solutions.

Here
are a few things to watch out.

Move the print
head out of the way of the bed to prevent it from crashing.

Make the Z-axis
as close to the device possible. The nearer is the nozzle to the Z-axis, the
better it is. If there exists some gap between the printer and the nozzle, then
it’s perfect. However, if the gap exceeds certain limitations, then an ideal
thing is to tighten the screw and tilt it at an angle.

Then move the
print ahead of the three or four screws and insert a piece of paper between the
bed and the nozzle.

Loosen the screw
until there is quite an amount of resistance between the bed and the nozzle.

Repeat the
procedure with the rest of the screws to make sure a certain level of accuracy
is achieved.

Adjusting the Nozzle Distance

The
next step in the process is changing the nozzle distance. Here are some of the
tricks to follow.

Make sure that
your material for the bed is already applied by now.

Test and trail
the results with a skirt that uniformly covers the entire area of the bed.

Observe how the
filament has been laid out. Is it uniform and dense? Or is it bubbling up
against each other? Try to get a thorough knowledge of a few trails and errors.

If nothing works
out, try rotating each screw by the same amount to get the most exquisite
finish on the skirt. Otherwise, you can manually change the settings of the 3D
printer to get the best results.

Step 2: The Printing Bed and the
Adhesion

If
by now the bed is not attained, the ASA filament may not
work in favor of you. The ASA needs the right temperature and splits if the
temperatures are not up to the mark. Here are some of the steps to get things
right.

Print with a
brim. Fifteen loops of the rim are sufficient enough to print anything.

Try to maintain a
high range of temperatures, such as 110C. Most printers do not support that
much and hence should be avoided at all costs.

If the hairspray
for the adhesion does not work out, use the molten ABS juice to brush the bed
adhesive to get the best results.

One can also opt
for Kapton tape along with the hairspray to uniformly spread heat all across
the printer.

Step 3: Calibrate the Print
Temperature

As
a rule of thumb, with the ASA filament, most experts print at 250 degrees
Celsius and a bed temperature of 110 degrees Celsius.

For better
results, adjust the temperature by more or less five degrees at one time.

Printing too hot
for the filament is not an issue. Rather than writing at low temperatures can
ruin the entire experience.

Step 4: Avoiding Wrapping and
Splitting

Despite
no matter what, all most all the 3D printed material wrap out from the edges
and thus, spoils the entire project. The following is achieved with the quick
cooling of one layer concerning another. Here are a few tips to get the best
results.

Build an
enclosure for your model to sustain the heat and draft out the cold air.

Turn off the
cooling fans as it will prevent some parts from drying faster than the others.

Step 5: Changing the Filament

The
last element in the process is changing the filament. While the procedure is
relatively easy for the ASA filament, other methods can, too, follow the same
to get the best results.

Heat the filament
to the highest temperature and pull out the previous filament smoothly.

The nozzle is
already filled with the previous elements and hence keep on heating until it is
completely drained out.

Once the previous
filament is completely drained out, insert the other filament until the next
color starts to drain.

Step 6: Regularly Maintain and Take
Care of the Devices

Once
you have learned the ins and outs of the industry, the next step is to regularly
maintain and take care of. For example,
if you aren’t able to remove ASA at all and the hot end is at temperature, then
chances exist that the nozzle is stuck. Ask the experts for help, and you will
get a ton of information from the house of MakeShaper.

Parting Remarks

The
world of 3D printing is still in its nascent stage and is expected to boom all
across the globe on account of serious developments in technology like the ASA filament. The
industry is characterized by a number of factors based on which it is expected
to flourish exponentially all across the globe.
Have
queries regarding the 3D printing industry or want to make a difference for the
same? Visit MakeShaper and give your dreams wings!

The world
of manufacturing has successfully graduated from the classic conceptual designing
& prototyping to an essential product production resource. The time and
cost savings that were once ideated at the desk of the design engineer has now
entered the production section.

One such
example where the 3D printer filament and the printing technology
are being used are the 3D Fixtures & printed jigs. In order to fully
contemplate this rapid development, one needs to keep in mind that fixtures and
jigs are an important part of product fabrication.

Let us know
more about the Fixtures and jigs.

What defines jigs & fixtures?

In common
terms, the fixtures and jigs can be used in an interchangeable manner. Basically,
these manufacturing components are designed to hold & guide stuff. For the
ones that are closer to the manufacturing protocol, they serve as a critical
component. A jig can be defined as a custom-tool used for controlling the
location or guiding the motion of different parts and tools.

In simple
words, a jig can hold the work while allowing the proper movement of the tools
in function. On the other hand, a fixture tends to hold the work or product in
a given location while allowing for certain modifications that need to be
carried out in the piece. At times, the jigs can easily be used in different
stations or locations in the workplace. However, the fixtures are designed to
operate in a pre-set location.

So, this
allows for proper maneuvering and changes during the manufacturing process.
Keeping in mind how important they are, it is critical that they should be crafted
with top-quality 3d printed filament adding strength and longevity to the make.

Why use 3D printed fixtures and jigs?

As we
decoded earlier, jigs & fixtures are quite important in the manufacturing
world. This is due to the fact that they bring in several benefits to the entire
process, such as:

Production cost reduction

Accelerated delivery of products

Enhanced quality

The cost
reduction in the manufacturing process comes directly from the use of
top-quality 3D printer filaments. Before the introduction of 3D technology, fixtures
and jigs were being designed & tooled for the traditional variant of
injection molding. Today though, they are no more in need. Fixtures and jigs
can now be printed within a fraction of time & the overall pricing is
drastically reduced.

Benefits of 3D Printed Filament for Jigs and
Fixtures

Cost:

The prime benefit
of using 3D Printed filament for jigs and fixtures is the obvious cost
reduction. A good chunk of these savings comes from a reduction in the high
costs related to machining. Typically, a fixture or grip can be sent out for
machining by someone skilled in operating the CNC machine. This work can take
several days in a row for the fixture or jig creation to be completed.

However, with 3D printing technology, after the designing process has
been completed, the file can be sent in an electronic form to the nearest
printer. The printing process takes a couple of hours and viola; the component
for manufacturing is ready to use.

Speed:

Another benefit that comes with the use of 3D printed fixtures and jigs
is the fact that 3D printer filament makesprinting easier and faster. Machining
of the complex form of metal geometries tends to take a significant amount of
planning along with help from skilled designers for CAM. This takes up a lot of
time and hence delays the manufacturing process.

With 3D printed filament, you can assemble the tools within hours. The
3D printing technology cuts down the overall time by a whopping 92 percent. So,
isn’t the use of 3D printer filament a great idea for jigs and fixtures?

Materials:

3D printing brings in a range of durable and feature-packed materials
that can be expanded over a line of technologies. Properties like flame
retardancy, chemical resistance, UV stability, and heat resistance are some of
the elements you get with the 3D printed filament for fixtures and
jigs.

The parts can easily be produced & finished with the use of
different colors& surface finishes. With 3D printer filament for parts
manufacturing, you essentially limit the damage that comes during the handling
or assembly part.

Design Iterations:

The speed at which 3D printing of jigs and fixtures can be done allows
the designers' scope of freedom for design optimizations and multiple
iterations. With the use of the 3D printed filament, one can aim for ergonomic
and complex designs that can be produced easily and comfortably.

Weight:

Fixtures and jigs are manipulated by the workers on a regular basis. A
good chunk of the materials that are used by the 3D printer filament tends to
be lighter than compounds such as aluminum. This helps with the load reduction
on the workers while improving the safety components.

Better Accuracy:

With 3D printer filament, you get access to better accuracy as opposed
to any other manufacturing method for fixtures and jigs. With 3D printing
technology, designers can easily incorporate the use of intricate and fine
details to the make that fit well with interlocking features.

Customization:

The freedom to design intricate details opens up a world of
possibilities for the designs in terms of customization. It allows better
control over the tasks while further enabling ergonomic support for the workers.
This eventually results in better accuracy during task performances. Instead of
going for designs that aim towards manufacturability, the engineers can now
tailor the manufacturing aids for employees to utilize the same.

Digital Inventory:

Most of the traditional service providers for fixtures or jigs creation
work for bulk orders. This is good if you need a huge quantity of the same.
However, if one or more of your fixtures is destroyed or isn’t the correct
shape, what could you do? You surely cannot order 1 or 2 jigs for your needs
from the local maker. So, what could actually be done in this case?

The key is to opt for services that are open for any type of 3D printing
needs. With 3D printer filament, you can print as per need. This particular
digital inventory can be used whenever needed. It allows you a scope to
redesign or update your tools in an effective and quick fashion.

Conclusion

Even though the jigs and fixtures might seem like a small section of the entire manufacturing process, we need to understand that they matter regardless. Each small component, when put together, makes up for a seamless manufacturing process. This is why having a high-quality jig or fixture created with the 3D printer filament is critical to the business.

Looking for the best collection of 3D printer filament for your jigs or fixture manufacturing needs? At MakeShaper, we house some of the best filaments for 3D printing. Ranging from ABS filaments to PETG filaments, we have it all and more. Our filaments are tested for quality and durability to provide the best print output. To get some quick discounts on your purchase, visit the website today!